Employee Relations at Microsoft: Obligations, Rights, and Duties

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of employee relations within Microsoft. It begins by defining employee relations and highlighting its importance and value to the company, particularly in terms of employee retention, conflict reduction, and productivity enhancement. The report then delves into the fundamental duties of employers under employment law, referencing specific acts such as the Employment Act 2019, Equality Act 2010, Health and Safety Act 2005, and Discrimination Act, emphasizing Microsoft's obligations to comply with these regulations. The core of the report examines the duties, obligations, and rights of both employers and employees, providing insights into how these aspects can be improved through better communication, employee recognition, and career development opportunities. A stakeholder analysis is conducted, identifying key internal and external stakeholders such as investors, customers, employees, and suppliers, and evaluating the impact of positive and negative employee relations on these groups. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and recommendations for fostering a positive and productive work environment at Microsoft.

EMPLOYEE
RELATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Explain importance and value of employee relations in application to Microsoft................1
P2 Explains fundamental duties of employer under employment law that applies to Microsoft
.....................................................................................................................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P3 Explain different types of obligations, rights and duties employer and employee within
Microsoft.....................................................................................................................................3
P4 Examine appropriate ways to improve duties, obligations and rights for employment
relationship for Microsoft...........................................................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................5
P5 Conduct stakeholder analysis for Microsoft..........................................................................5
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................7
P6 Analyse impact of positive and negative employee relations on stakeholders......................7
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Employee relations can be defined as efforts of organisations to build and manage
relations employer and employee. This assist employees with fair treatment and company gets
commitment and loyalty in return. Such relations helps business to manage and control conflicts
arising at workplace. Microsoft is American technological company, headquarter in Washington
which produces, supports, electronics products and sells software, personal computers and all
related services (Conway and et. al., 2016). In this assignment, importance and value of
employee relations in applications to organisation. Explanation of employment law that apply to
companies will be included in this project. Determine appropriate advice and different types of
duties, rights and obligations for employment relationship, employer and employee in
organisation. This essay will also include complete analysis of negative and positive impact on
stakeholders in organisation.
TASK 1
P1 Explain importance and value of employee relations in application to Microsoft
Employee relations states relationship between employer and employee and even among
staff members. This is process of putting efforts by organisation so that there is good
relationships between management and each personnel. This reduces conflicts in team and
provides healthy working environment in organisation so that overall performance of business
can be enhanced. Microsoft is American mutational company operating worldwide and deals in
electronics and computer products with related services at global level. Managing employee
relations in Microsoft is important to employer in the following ways:
Retain Talented Employees: Losing skilled employee is a asset loss to organisation for
which investment is done in monetary and non-monetary terms. If any employee feels valuable
and positive about relationships they share with staff and employer they retain for longer in
business (Crisóstomo and Freire, 2015). Thus to retain talented and skilled employees in
Microsoft it is important that managers build and manage good relationships with and among
personnel.
Fewer Conflicts at Workplace: When there are number of employees working at same
place in four walls there are chances that conflicts may arise. These problems makes working
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environment negative and impact others staff as well. With the help of good relationships these
conflicts are reduced so that Microsoft can minimise and manage these conflicts at workplace.
Increased Productivity: When employees have good relationships with employers and
other peers there productivity increases. Increased in performance enhanced revenues for
organisation which helps in survival and growth strategies. Microsoft in order to grow more
efficiently it should build and manage relationships with staff members.
Easy Delegation: If employer manages good relationships with team members, this assist
leaders to easily delegates duties and responsibilities. This helps in achieving productivity and
attainment of organisational objectives effectively. This importance will help Microsoft to make
employees accountable for their actions and thus more effective in putting efforts in achieving
targets (George 2015).
Value of employee relations in organisation are as follows:
Increased Morale: One of most important value of employee reactions to organisation is
increased morale of employees in organisation. This is one of most important value which any
business can inherit by personnel so that productivity can be achieved. Any company will strives
only for success and achieving set targets so that its growth is enhanced. Microsoft value
employee relations so that company can have competitive advantage in industry and to grab
more opportunities.
Embracing Equality: Whenever employees relations are maintained it brings equality in
environment so that there is no discriminations at workplace. Microsoft being multinational
company it is important that equality is introduced while working with diverse personnel so that
equal opportunities are provided to each staff.
P2 Explains fundamental duties of employer under employment law that applies to Microsoft
There are many acts and rules which are complied for Microsoft so that there is no law
suits or cases for company. It needs to apply all such acts in maintaining relationships with
workforce so that their well being is also maintained. Some of these laws are explained below:
Employment Act 2019: Under this act employee can not be terminated on the basis of unfair
procedure and it lays down rights of individuals to get employed with fair HR policies. It also
emphasis on actions that can be taken in case of unjust dismissal of personnel (Koerber, 2015).
Microsoft needs to comply with these laws so that there is no unjust treatment with any
employees and selection is done within proper guidelines of this act.
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Equality Act 2010: Under this law for employment, one has to follow the guidelines provided
by the government and give general guide for individuals in company to follow. The hierarchy
levels in Microsoft shall have code of conduct according to which one has to separate the
essential credential of company and within which if any dispute arises they have to follow the
guidelines of legislation provision's. Employees under this act have rights to get employed in any
organisation which equal opportunities provided for growth and development.
Health and Safety Act 2005: Under this act main fundamentals are laid down to protect
employees from dangerous and hazardous working environment. This lay down rights for staff to
demand for safety equipments in case if they are handling heavy machines or equipments. There
is need that Microsoft apply the fundamentals and guidelines of this law so that there is proper
gears and suits arranged for staff working on machines (Kang and Sung, 2017). At the same time
it should arrange emergency medical facilities in case of accidents. It also lays down
fundamentals for staff in case of injury, death and impairment with monetary and non-monetary
terms to compensate.
Discrimination Act : This law states that there should be no discrimination on the basis of
gender, religion, age, caste, colour, sexuality preferences, pregnancy, etc. every employee should
be treated equally at workplace. This lays many different fundamentals for employee in case if
Microsoft is not able to provide equal opportunities to every personnel. Employee can file law
suit against company which will result in fines and penalties including negative impact on brand
image globally. So there is need that employer of Microsoft should compile with the guidelines
and regulations of this act.
TASK 2
P3 Explain different types of obligations, rights and duties employer and employee within
Microsoft
Duties of Employers: It is ethical consideration of employer to provide well-being and
comfortable working environment to staff members. It it duty of Microsoft to provide workplace
which is comfortable and friendly so that there is no fear in personnel (Kaufman, Beaumont and
Helfgott, 2016). It is their duty to treat each and every with same behaviour and attitude,
providing equal opportunity to develop their career within and outside organisation.
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Obligations of Employers: Obligations are generally concerned with legal
responsibilities under the different employment laws. Employer is obligated to provide health
and safety measures in workplace compile with industry rules. It is equal obligations of
Microsoft to ensure that there is no discrimination on any basis with employees so that relations
can be maintained. Different HR policies should be implemented so that employees can have
comfortable working environment at workplace.
Rights of employer: Employment laws in UK lay down certain rights during period of
employment. They have full right to select and dismiss any personnel with fair and just
treatment. They have full rights to change or implement policies related to work so that
relationships can be manage with employees. It is right of management of Microsoft to provide
employees with such environment which is harassment free and flexible so that proper
relationships can be maintained effectively (Larsen and Navrbjerg, 2015).
Duties of Employees: It is duty of personnel to be loyal towards organisation and
perform with full productivity. They are equally liable to maintain good relationships with other
peers and management so that it has positive impact on working environment. They have duty to
be professional and have positive behaviour while dealing with customers and maintains code of
conduct in Microsoft so that professionalism is high. They are equally liable to give prior notice
before resignation.
Obligations of an Employees: They are legally obliged to complete their part of
employment law so that there is no gap. It is their obligations to perform duties bring within laws
or without breaking any fundamentals. They are tied with law to keep confidentiality of
Microsoft and does not disclose it to competitors. They are also entitled to complete legal
proceedings whenever rules are violated so that proper procedures can be followed.
Rights of employees: The basic right of employees is to get harassment, comfortable,
flexible, safe and fair working environment. It is right of personnel to get fair wages, competitive
salary packages, overtime and leave so that they can be retain for longer in Microsoft. They have
full rights to file law suits against company in case of unjust treatment (McDonald and
Thompson, 2016).
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P4 Examine appropriate ways to improve duties, obligations and rights for employment
relationship for Microsoft
Promote Communication: The most important key to improve relations is
communication and avoid confusion. It is duty of employer and right of employee to get
informed about policies, regulations, plans and strategies of Microsoft. It can be promoted by
providing friendly and flexible environment so that personnel feels safe in participating in
decision making and other process of management. This will also result in building and
maintaining relationship so that productivity can be enhanced.
Make Employees Feel Valuable: It duty on employer to make employee feel important
by taking their participation in decision making rewarding them for their work. This will helps in
building good and strong relationships for longer tenure and they can be motivated. Microsoft
should publicly reward efficient employees so that other employers also gets motivated and
relations can be build (Mikkelson, York and Arritola, 2015).
Offer Career Development: Companies are these days taking initiatives to develop
career of employee so that they are motivated. This helps in managing strong and long term
relationships so that overall performance of Microsoft can be enhanced. This will also assist
personnel to develop their career and take up responsibilities for future.
TASK 3
P5 Conduct stakeholder analysis for Microsoft
A stakeholder is an anybody or group which are involved in the enterprise directly or
indirectly. They effect the business operations as well as outcomes in well define manner and
have impact on maintaining relationships. There stakeholder can be of two types internal as well
as external stakeholder in the organisation (Noe and et. al., 2017). This report is based upon the
Microsoft which have divided their stakeholder in various categories such investors, customers,
employees, suppliers, and the community at large other stakeholder like regularity bodies and
civil society. Here some stakeholder of Microsoft which are explain down below:
Investors: The Microsoft have CG corporate Governances as well as board to uplift the
stockholder in such a manner where each and every investors have information regrading the
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company in a well define manner. The company provide proper share and dividend to their
respective manner. Microsoft ensure that the company remains faithful to its undertaking to
make timely disclosures of material information and transactions that could potentially affect the
market price of the companies as well as it shares.
Customers : They are the important stakeholders at Microsoft Corporation because they
are driven force of sales and revenue generation effectively. The organisation make sure about
their customers needs and wants which help organisation to gain competitive advantages in the
market (Poole, 2017). Microsoft provide products as well services which are made of high
quality and they make sure about the price as they keep it low and affordable for the customers.
Company is constantly working on the customers satisfaction and improve their way of doing
business.
Employees: Microsoft is regular committed to the develop their employees performance
as they are building highly skilled culture for which help to meet the modern requirements of the
today modern world. The Microsoft employees have to attain 5 day training sessions once a year
which is tracked by the managers on regular basis. Organisation also implement carrier
development programmes for employees to ensure the professional growth and development.
Communities: Beyond the confines of our boardroom and corporate walls, Microsoft
embarks on initiatives to help improve the lives of people in the communities for the well being
of the environment. Company is building the sustainable society with the help of facilitating the
institutional and also by promoting entrepreneurship efforts , education and volunteer driven
programmes. They are conducting the “Save a Soul for Better Tomorrow which is one of the
successful business CSR activities for the company.
Suppliers: Microsoft have try to maintain healthy relationship with the customers and
develop a sense of understanding among the company and suppliers. The organisation is using
list of different suppliers and they choose the best possible option for doing business in a well
define manner (Rainnie, 2016). They use competitive bidding and the adequate bidder wins the
contract.
Environment: As Microsoft is focusing towards environment which help organisation in
build an brand image in the minds of the customers. They are making carbon free product and
also promoting the green environment culture to aware about the climate change for employees.
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This also helps in building relationships with outside parties by fulfilling corporate social
responsibilities and building brand image at international level.
TASK 4
P6 Analyse impact of positive and negative employee relations on stakeholders
Positive and negative employee relations have different impact on organisations which results in
both effective and poor performance respectively. There are different elements of employee
relationships which are as follows:
Positive employee relations: There are different benefits of effectively managed relationships
that have positive impact on Microsoft, some of them are as follows:
Conflict Resolution: Whenever companies maintained good relationships between
employer and employee it assist management in resolving conflicts among staff members,
management and workforce (Shields and et. al., 2015). This is positive impact on Microsoft as its
operations are worldwide and there are diverse employees which makes its necessary to reduce
conflicts so that there is biased behaviour for any specific personnel.
Good Communications: Employer and employee maintains good relationships then there
is proper flow of communication that helps in improving productivity. It has positive impact on
communicating policies and changes to employee which assist in growth and development of
Microsoft at global level. This also helps in reducing confusion and duplication of work so that
operations are cost effective and company can its efficiency.
Trust: This is one of major positive impact of maintaining proper relationships is building
trust and understanding. When there is feeling of trust between employer and employee it brings
positive working environment along with delegating authorities and responsibilities to
employees. Microsoft is an organisation which is well known for its employee relations as it is
enriched by trust between employees and with management.
Negative employee relations: This is that situation when there is improper or no relationship
among employees, between management and staff (Singh and et. al., 2016). This has negative
impact on working environment and overall productivity of Microsoft which are as follows:
Employee absenteeism and turnover: Improper relationships leads to increased
absenteeism and turnover as there will be uncomfortable environment in organisation. This will
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result in increased cost and non-attainment of targets will be have negative impact on overall
productivity of Microsoft. This will also increase cost of HR related activities for organisation
which decreases its efficiency in retaining talented and skilled employees.
Low trust relationships between management and employees: One of most important
aspects in creating healthy environment is trust. Whenever there are less or no relationships,
environment is full of negativity and uncomforted arena (Van De Voorde and Beijer, 2015). This
would result in low productivity, increased in conflicts, unmotivated staff, etc. which will have
negative impacts on Microsoft performance at international level.
Use of representatives on minor conflicts: When there is absence of good relationships
between management and workforce, employees uses representatives of union. In case of
conflict management employer needs influential personality in front of management to
represents their case. This encourages other employees too to influence management to exploit
and dominate management of Microsoft.
Conclusion
The main thing is for any employer or employee is to seek a correct relationship to perform
which impacts the overall workings of organisation as well as the natural performance of the
employee. The way of engaging the organisation and balancing between the correct influence of
work and competition in the work place. It can be concluded that one has one has to give a
correct guidelines for all hierarchies to perform well and with qualitative working levels. Their
shall be an maintained discipline which will help in seeking the desired goals of organisation.
Many places people have to perform and conclude several aspects which will ultimately guide
and perform the basic nature of the working organisation.
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